Читать книгу Walking in Menorca. 16 day and 2 multi-day routes онлайн

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Walkers passing shallow seas often spot what appear to be grassy meadows underwater. The ‘grass’ is actually Posidonia oceanica – a remarkably important species because it provides food and shelter for a wealth of marine life. However, when rough seas cause masses of posidonia to pile up onto the beaches, it smells awful as it rots. Strange spherical objects that look like coconuts may often be washed ashore, and these are also parts of this plant.

A guide to Mediterranean flowers will help to identify species around Menorca. Well over five per cent of flowering plants are endemic to Menorca, but more than ten per cent of flowering plants have been introduced to the island. The majority of species are Mediterranean stock, common to many other locations.

Birds

The premier bird-watching area on Menorca is the Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau, on the eastern side of the island. A visitor centre (tel 971-356303), offers plenty of information about species that can be spotted, and there are hides available, overlooking a lagoon surrounded by reeds and bushes. The main species include mallard, coot, moorhen, grebes and pochard.